The Rice University Athletics Department will spotlight individuals whose contributions to the Scholar-Athlete Development Center, a new facility at the south end zone of Rice Stadium, have moved the ambitious project closer to reality.

In 1977, the Rice Owls media guide described defensive tackle Jeff Rose '77 with three words: "strong, smart, dedicated." That brief summary could just as easily describe Rose's commitment to his career outside of football. The team captain and Jess Neely Defensive Award winner was also an honor student as a Commerce major. After graduation, he established himself as a leader in the world of banking, and devoted himself to many non-profit causes.

Along the way, Rose never stopped supporting Rice. He has served on the Rice Board of Trustees, on the Owl Club Board, and in many other leadership roles around the university. Now, to honor the values he developed and the friendships he formed as a Rice football player, Rose has turned his attention to the Scholar-Athlete Development Center. The new facility and the accompanying Rice Stadium renovations will create new, modern spaces for coaches, trainers and athletes, reshaping the stadium to serve a new generation of young leaders and supporters.

Never one to go halfway, Rose made a six-figure commitment to the renovation campaign.

"I decided to make a pledge after the project was announced," Rose said, "because I knew how important it was to the football program and to Rice Athletics. The time is now, we cannot wait, and we need all former players that care deeply about the program to step up and make a commitment. I challenge them all to follow my lead."

Strong, smart, dedicated. With your support for the Scholar-Athlete Development Center, every Rice football player will have the chance to fit that description.